Montpellier, in southern France, is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Located on the south coast of France, on the Mediterranean Sea, Montpellier is the eighth largest city in France and is the fastest growing over the past 25 years. It is one of the few large cities in France to not have any Roman heritage and one of the few in southern France not to be built on Greek foundations.

The city’s origins date to the Early Middle Ages, when two hamlets in the area were combined with a castle being constructed and walls built around the united settlement. Montpellier came to prominence in the 12th century as trading centre, with links across the Mediterranean. A rich Jewish culture flourished in the area in a city of secular tolerance. During the Reformation many Montpellier citizens became Protestants (or Huguenots as they were known in France).

Two-day breakThe Premiere Classe Hotel Montpellier Sud – Lattes is positioned just a 15 minute drive from Montpellier’s town centre, leaving you ideally positioned. Take a stroll down the Rue de Bras de Fer (Iron Arm Street) to take in Montpellier’s typically medieval character. The Place de la Comedie is the city’s main focus and features the Opera Comedie and an impressive library. Visit the Porte du Peyrou and its triumphal arch built in the 17th century for an impressive finish to your two days.

Seven-day BreakWith a whole week at your disposal you can explore a little further afield. Why not venture into the surrounding countryside with the Instant Terroir wine tour, comprising a visit to two vineyards with a wine expert and an included 3-course meal. The Musee Fabre is again only 15-minutes drive from the Premier Classe Hotel Montpellier Sud- Lattes. The museum offers and impressive permanent collection and often plays host to notably travelling exhibition.

Family HolidayMontpellier offers plenty to keep families entertained. The Parc Zoologique Henri de Lunaret is a great way to spend a day with family. The main zoo is free to enter, and there is an Amazon Zone which is 20 euros. Avoid going in extreme heat though. Less than 10-minutes drive from the Premiere Classe Hotel Montpellier Sud- Lattes is the Aquarium Mare Nostrum, an excellent, modern aquarium that will fascinate kids.

TransportMontpellier offers a great public transport system including buses, trains, trams and taxis. Many of the bus routes stop at the city’s main station in the city centre. The bus station, near the train station, has details about travelling from Montpellier to any other city in France or Europe. Many of the centre’s attraction are walking distance apart.

FoodFood is very important to the people of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The area relies on local produce and dairy is often absent from the menu. Instead expect fresh tasty food featuring oil olive, tomato sauces and an array of wild herbs. In Montpellier meals are a serious matter and often take hours.

EventThere is a rich calendar of cultural events in Montpellier throughout the year. During the summer there is the Montpellier dance Festival in June and the city collaborates with Radio France in July to provide everything from jazz concerts to plays to orchestral concerts. In January is the Festival Chretien du Cinema, the city’s own film festival. Did You Know?The name Montpellier is thought to come from the name Monpessulanus which in turn in thought to come from the name Mont Pele which means ‘the naked mountain’. It is thought that this refers to the fact that the city is on a hill and that the vegetation on it is traditionally sparse.

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